Latinos want more access to open space

The Sacramento Bee

Members of the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California recently trekked to Whitewater to express our strong support for Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s efforts to secure national monument status for the Mojave Trails, Castle Mountains and Snow to Sand.

We believe that preserving open spaces like these in our magnificent desert is important for the health of Californians and Latinos in particular.

Repeated studies show that predominantly African American and Latino communities have far less access to parks in their own neighborhoods than their white neighbors. Consider a recent report by the Community Health Council, which found that communities in South Los Angeles had 1.2 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, compared to 70.1 acres for every 1,000 residents of West Los Angeles.

About LCHC

Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHC)—the only statewide organization with a specific emphasis on Latino health—was founded in 1992 by health care providers, consumers and advocates to impact Latino health by focusing on policy development, providing enhanced information, and community involvement.